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Ambar - Arlington, Arlington, VA
Ambar - Arlington, Arlington, VA
Ambar - Arlington, Arlington, VA
Ambar - Arlington, Arlington, VA
Ambar - Arlington, Arlington, VA

Ambar - Arlington

4.5
4.5
3678 Reviews
$31 to $50
Tapas / Small Plates
Top Tags:
Welcome to Ambar, the gem of Arlington, where you are invited to explore the dynamic flavors of Balkan cuisine. What distinguishes us, is our well-curated, exclusive 'Dining Without Limits' experience, which brings you the soul of Balkan dining traditions. Our extensive menu boasts a variety of shareable small plates, perfectly paired with a vast selection of premium Balkan wines. Whether joining us for a leisurely lunch, celebratory weekend brunch, or an evening of indulgence, our unlimited dining menu promises to deliver an unparalleled culinary journey. We excel in serving individual guests, as well as larger groups, and private events. At Ambar, our custom catering services add that extra sparkle to your events. At Ambar, we are revolutionizing dining with inventive Balkan cuisine that blends tradition and innovation, seamlessly. We ensure an unforgettable gastronomic experience with award-winning, extraordinary hospitality. Step into Ambar, the pinnacle of Balkan dining.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 70 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Cuisines
    Tapas / Small Plates, Balkan style, Eastern European
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 9:30 am–3:30 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 3:30 pm–10:30 pm Fri 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat 4:30 pm–11:00 pm Sun 4:30 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (703) 875-9663
  • Website
    http://www.ambarrestaurant.com/
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Executive chef
    Dejan Pilovic
  • Catering
    Please check the menu and options online<br />https://www.ambarrestaurant.com/catering-clarendon/
  • Private party facilities
    Ambar is a perfect place for all types of private and corporate events. With our exceptional food and well trained staff, Ambar is the place of choice when it comes to your celebration. From small family gatherings to huge corporate events, we host your friends and business partners with equal care.
  • Private party contact
    Marijana Skerlic: (703) 875-9663
  • Location
    2901 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
  • Neighborhood
    Arlington
  • Cross street
    N Fillmore St and N Garfield St
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Clarendon Metro station - Orange and Silver lines
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

What 3,678 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.6Food
  • 4.3Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Virginia - DC Suburbs

    Most Booked

3,678 Reviews

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall3food4service1ambience3
    We had reservations and yet were pushed downstairs. The service was terrible. There was a band and they were good. Overall, not a good experience.

    Is this helpful?

  2. BrittBritt

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    You can't go wrong with anything on the menu! Highly recommend!

    Is this helpful?

  3. CarolineM

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Phenomenal restaurant. Come here for every special occasion and are never disappointed!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Sarah

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Attended for a work dinner! Did all you can eat and it was a huge hit! Every plate was delicious. Thanks for a memorable experience

    Is this helpful?

  5. Allison

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was hot and quick. I wish I could remember our server's name because he was so kind and attentive and gave the best recommendations of what we should get. Some of our favorites were the roasted cauliflower, roasted lamb, chicken skewers, drunken mussels and stuffed pepper. Recommend going on a off night like a Monday when it is not as busy so you get your food quicker.

    Is this helpful?

  6. whynotletitfly

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We've eaten here several times for birthdays/anniversaries/special occasions and it always comes through. The food is all delicious and comes at a solid pace to keep you full but not overwhelmed.

    Is this helpful?

  7. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    She was the most beautiful woman in the room

    Is this helpful?

  8. JosephC

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 16, 2023

    overall3food4service1ambience4
    Everything was delicious. It's a great way to enjoy multiple dishes. We had a bad waitress that would disappear. But once the order is placed, the dishes come out very quickly.

    Is this helpful?

  9. LynneS

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Who ever designed this interior really know their stuff. We enjoyed the ambiance, the FOOD and the staff. I don’t think I have ever been served really good food that quickly. Definitely a go to place.

    Is this helpful?

  10. JaviR

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food options, very hearty and tasty. Very good service with quick turnaround times. Will definitely go back when in the area again.

    Is this helpful?

  11. Anonymous

    Washington DC

    181 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    181 reviews

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We liked the all you can eat feature - for a set price you can order anything off of the menu. The only catch is that the portions are quite small, like tapas size. Still, there were 2 of us and we only managed to order 10 (small) items between the two of us. For $50 per person that comes out to $10 per item, which is really not that cheap. I think it’s a better value of you’re able to order more or to limit your order to the more expensive items like meats or seafood and not on vegetables or dips. The waiter was nice though and they kept bringing out our dishes to us. The decor is cute with the hanging faux flowers from the ceiling but the flowers hang a little low so you need to duck when you’re walking around. The waiters must be used to it

    Is this helpful?

  12. Benny

    Washington DC

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    As always, a great place for dinner! Unfortunately, while the first (many) rounds of food were fantastic, the kitchen may have gotten a little bit happy with the salt and made the last two rounds quite unbearable. Not sure why, but other than that it was amazing!

    Is this helpful?

  13. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    Food is good, veg dishes were the best. Food comes out quickly. But service is just ok. Feels rushed.

    Is this helpful?

  14. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was restaurant week and we could try everything. So it was fun and a good value. Food was great too. Only warning is it’s loud if you’re looking to talk.

    Is this helpful?

  15. alyj

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous food and service! Second visit and I'll be back!

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  16. Ckav

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing all around. Food, service, beautiful restaurant. Loved it!! Will definitely be back.

    Is this helpful?

  17. Steph

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience1
    I’d been to the ambar in capital hill before but never to Arlington and honestly I found them both a bit disappointing but Arlington was by far worse. For one, being a legally blind person trying to navigate around when the floral decorations hang way too low was the worst part. I love Balkan food usually but was a bit disappointed by the execution and presentation. The hostess was also very stand offish with my friend.

    Is this helpful?

  18. AidaA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    all's great but the 2 hour table limit is a bit short. perhaps 3 hrs?

    Is this helpful?

  19. martyz3318

    Greater Boston

    45 reviews

    4.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    This is a very simple review. We went during Restaurant Week (not intentionally, just due to happenstance) so the only menu available was their AYCE option. The food was mostly quite good. (Since we ordered a number of small dishes, some were better than others.) However, the service wasn't up to the same level. The waiter took our orders (we ordered dishes in three separate groups, plus dessert). The food was delivered by runners rather than by our waiter. On two occasions, a runner attempted to deliver a dish that was meant for an adjacent table. Our final order was dessert and coffee. Alas, the coffee arrived after we finished our desserts. (Had to eat the desserts promptly; one included ice cream.)

    Is this helpful?

  20. MaddieB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was the most incredible food experience I’ve had. I left in disbelief. My husband and I kept looking at each other saying “what just happened?” everything was awesome. We eat at very nice places often so this review is honest. Thank you for a wonderful night Ambar.

    Is this helpful?

  21. CGArl

    Washington DC

    44 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Delicious as always. Excellent service. The restaurant week special experience seemed like it was a less good deal than the usual Balkan experience menu.

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  22. Miyako

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Restaurant Week Lunch (unlimited small plates) was such a great option to try out the various items on the menu. There were so many delicious dishes: slow roasted lamb, rainbow trout, pork neck, Istrian gnocchi, and the Ajvar spread. The food was so flavorful and the service attentive, I will definitely go back.

    Is this helpful?

  23. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall3food4service1ambience3
    Very noisy, lots of screaming children. Waitress struggled to communicate what the “experience” was that we paid for. She was very impersonal. Rarely checked on the table, failed to fill water. Left menus at table so I had to leave them on another table. This would have been okay at an Applebees, but when I’m paying $120 for a meal and tipping $22, I expect a little more.

    Is this helpful?

  24. Cullen

    Washington DC

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Our first visit and it met our expectations. Food and Service was great. We will return

    Is this helpful?

  25. MDash

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience2
    The food was delicious! Server was nice but hard to find. Food runners weren't always sure which table to deliver food to, so we had several interruptions that weren't deliveries of our food. We went at 5:30 on a Sunday and it was really loud by 6, so probably better for loud groups, not conversational twosomes.

    Is this helpful?

  26. HemantA

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience3
    Good spot in Arlington. Very lively atmosphere! Went for brunch on a Saturday and the place was packed. Food was good quality, but can't say that the cuisine was anything out of the ordinary or unique. But all in all a good experience and certainly worth trying out.

    Is this helpful?

  27. Brekke

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience2
    Some food was tasty, but because we were there during restaurant week and we chose “the experience” we were left wishing we hadn’t. My guess is that if we had chosen to dine normally we would have enjoyed our meal. Unfortunately, food was shoved onto the table whether we were ready or not, and taken away whether we were done or not. We were not allowed to take any away with us, even though the food we had was tapas style, but not requested by us. The preferred route was to trash food we could not eat. Very, very wasteful. Very disappointed considering the bill was astronomical and we weren’t given the option to choose tip even though we only had a party of five, two of which were kids. We were quiet and respectful, no crazy food orders. Spent a small fortune with NO ALCOHOL and weren't allowed to walk out with food. They preferred the trash route. Very wasteful, very disrespectful to a group who spent a TON of money. Do not recommend during “restaurant week”.

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  28. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    1.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on August 24, 2023

    overall1food5service1ambience1
    Our experience during this visit was truly unique. We had very poor service and received our drinks and food items very delayed. We did not get a chance to fully experience the unlimited all you can deal. Very disappointed with the service

    Is this helpful?

  29. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 23, 2023

    overall1food4service1ambience2
    Our server was totally over it She hardly explained about the menu- she disappeared for over 30 minutes when we ended the check ! I kept trying to catch her or her manager but no one was available!!! Rude waitress and completely messy place The food was good Air condition was very high made the stay uncomfortable

    Is this helpful?

  30. FredricA

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We took advantage of Ambar’s Restarant Week offer to sample a wide variety of dishes. We sampled salads, chef’s specialties, grilled dishes, long-simmered dishes, and an assortment of wonderful desserts. We ate each sample with the menu in front of us so we could review the ingredients while savored each bite. Highly recommended!

    Is this helpful?

  31. MattM

    Richmond

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Great Brunch. The hanging plants make for a comfy atmosphere...

    Is this helpful?

  32. JasonB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience, fantastic food, wonderful service. Can’t say enough how much we enjoyed it.

    Is this helpful?

  33. amore

    Philadelphia

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We enjoyed the fun variety of foods, and went home very full.

    Is this helpful?

  34. Love2Eat

    Richmond

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Wonderful introduction to Balkan cuisine for friends who are unfamiliar. We love the dining experience of sharing small plates -- there's such a great variety. Everything we had was delicious from the urbenes and pita to the beet carpaccio, the lamb and the goulash. The food comes fast and furious, so it's easy to scarf down too quickly. I recommend ordering a few plates at a time so you can taste and savor before ordering the next choices. We had so much fun helping our friends select things they'd never tasted and sharing our favorites. Highly recommended.

    Is this helpful?

  35. HNSD

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 17, 2023

    overall3food2service4ambience3
    The food has really gone downhill. Everything looked old and reheated. The service was very good but not enough to bring me back.

    Is this helpful?

  36. CarolynB

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    4.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Wonderful variety of mezze and small plates. Kebab, lamb and sausage dishes are standouts. Wish there were even more veggie options. Manager was fantastic with guidance on menu choices and hospitality. Will return without question.

    Is this helpful?

  37. OpenTable Diner

    Louisville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Great time overall with unique style of food service as it is a flat price and then unlimited food thereafter. Make sure your whole party is hungry whenever you go

    1 person found this helpful

  38. OpenTable Diner

    Deactivated - Far North Queensland

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food is surprisingly good considering the large menu. It isn’t cheap, but all items are unique and tasty. Worth the price!

    Is this helpful?

  39. AGST

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food at Ambar never disappoints! It’s definitely our go-to place in Arlington for delicious tasty cuisine 🥰

    Is this helpful?

  40. Ryan

    Richmond

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on August 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Enjoyed a lovely dinner there with my wife for her birthday. I would definitely recommend this location! The staff were wonderful and brought out a birthday desert to celebrate!

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Sealed or wrapped utensils used
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables

  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking

  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Ambar - Arlington does offer delivery in partnership with Postmates and Uber Eats. Ambar - Arlington also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (703) 875-9663.

Ambar - Arlington is rated 4.5 stars by 3678 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 70 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Ambar - Arlington

2901 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201

Additional information

  • Cross street
    N Fillmore St and N Garfield St
  • Neighborhood
    Arlington
  • Hours of operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 9:30 am–3:30 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–3:30 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 3:30 pm–10:30 pm Fri 4:00 pm–11:00 pm Sat 4:30 pm–11:00 pm Sun 4:30 pm–10:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Tapas / Small Plates, Balkan style, Eastern European
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Business Casual
  • Parking details
    Street Parking
  • Public transit
    Clarendon Metro station - Orange and Silver lines
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Dejan Pilovic
  • Additional
    Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.ambarrestaurant.com/
  • Phone number
    (703) 875-9663
  • Catering
    Please check the menu and options online<br />https://www.ambarrestaurant.com/catering-clarendon/
  • Private party facilities
    Ambar is a perfect place for all types of private and corporate events. With our exceptional food and well trained staff, Ambar is the place of choice when it comes to your celebration. From small family gatherings to huge corporate events, we host your friends and business partners with equal care.
  • Private party contact
    Marijana Skerlic: (703) 875-9663

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